The Story of Blood and Roses

Luke Darcy.

His invite was in my hand. I stared at it for the longest time, before sealing it and adding it to the pile of invites that were to be sent out today. Rob, who was sitting beside me, was firing instructions around.

My favorite mixologist had been a great help. The preparations were almost over. We had worked day in and day out to hire workers who would serve. We had contacted the best DJ's who would play all around the day. We had prepared for costumes and masks for all the members of the staff and designed the invitation cards. The menu was decided. The food had been ordered.

It was almost like I was preparing for a wedding. The guest list had a solid number that scared the crap out of me. How the staff would manage catering to every whim of the scumbags and high handed bastards, I did not know.

Anthony was relaxed. He seemed happy and calculative.

He was plotting.

Darcy's fall was nearing.

I had a sinking feeling in my stomach.

Where would that lead us?

After dealing with Luke Darcy, I would be left with the choice of leaving the organization or leaving Anthony. It seemed like an easy choice, but I didn't know how long I would be able to hide my identity. He was loving and thoughtful. He asked me questions about my life. I made shit up and went with the flow. He had probably caught my lies more often than not.

He still loved me.

My phone started buzzing in my pocket. I got up, excused myself and then left the room.

"We should meet," she said.

"Daisy," I greeted. "Now is not a good time."

"Mia. I know about this grand party that Anthony Murray is throwing. Everyone knows." I heard her huff. "I need to meet you. There are a few precautionary procedures that I want to go over with you before the party. We need to collaborate."

"You think something is going to happen?" I ask.

"I am pretty sure. Keeping Murray and Darcy in the same room is volatile. You should be prepared." I sighed in frustration.

"I can handle myself," I hissed out.

"Precautionary procedures, Mia. It is my duty. I have been covering your ass since the beginning of this mission and I will continue to do so until it ends." There was finality in her tone that I hated.

"I have not heard a word from you in the past three months, Daisy. Do you expect me to jump at the first opportunity I get to meet you? In your own words, there is a risk. I cannot take the chance."

"You don't need to," she stated. "Just stay in Poseidon's Realm this evening. I'll call you and set you up."

"This better be worth it."

"I wouldn't bother if it wasn't," she replied, frustrated. We hung up. I went back to the invites.

As I posted them, the sinking feeling in my stomach grew.

Paranoia crept in.

Run, screamed my gut.

Stay, screamed the heart.

I remembered his face.

I gave him and Daisy the benefit of doubt.

.

Daisy was sitting at the bar, sipping on a Martini when I spotted her from the VIP room. Ethan, who was helping me out with decorating the room, sensed the sudden change in mood.

"Are you okay?" he asked me. I gave him a firm nod.

"I have someone important to meet. I'll be gone for a while." I let him know. "Cover for me, okay?"

"Who are you meeting?" he asked me rather suspiciously.

"An old associate," I informed him.

"You still meet people from your past?" he asked incredulously. I nodded, not giving him any more information before leaving the room. I was pretty sure that Ethan would see her from up there, and the questions would follow, but if I took her out of the club, he would grow suspicious. He would try to protect Anthony, and naturally, find out what was happening.

Striding purposefully towards her, I waved Rob over. He tilted his head to a side to acknowledge me.

"Keep the drinks coming..." I slipped some money to him. "Make sure no one is overhearing." He nodded, curtly before giving a full scan of the room.

"You've made some friends, I see." Her bored tone made me want to glare at her. But I kept it all in and waited for her to continue.

"Why are you here?" I asked her. I didn't even try to hide the disdain in my voice. "I don't have time for this. You're putting me in jeopardy."

"I'm sure you can come out of it, Mia. Just like you got out of the mission," her voice was so low that I almost missed it.

"That is none of your business."

"I must say... I have grown rather fond of your scathing personality," she sighed. "I'm glad that you backed out when you did." She looked around once, making sure that no one was overhearing.

"Don't worry," I reassured her.

"I've been digging into everything, doing background checks and..." She looked straight into my eyes and said the words that followed. "I have found some disturbing things. I have been sworn to secrecy. The organization will take action if I utter a word of their plan to you, but I needed to warn you. They can't accuse me of anything."

"They will kill you if they found out."

"I know, so you better keep this a secret."

"Hit me."

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